"We're in the middle of a pennant race. I've got to try to get back in there. I'll figure it out.''

The Red Sox will have to clear roster spot for Pedroia. That probably means the bulky, 13-man pitching staff created by Michael Bowden's weekend call-up will be pared back to 12, with Bowden likely returning to Pawtucket.

Bowden was called up after outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury went on the disabled list, and the entire bullpen was emptied in Friday's 11-inning loss at Texas.

Pedroia will offer an emotional charge, but also much more for a team that was only 23-21 without him - not counting the game he left with the injury, which they lost by one run.

He was hitting .292 with 12 home runs andn 41 RBIs when he was injured.

His return solidifies the top of the order. It also bolsters a defense that is also missing first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who is out for the year with a thumb injury.

Bill Hall and Jed Lowrie have done their best to fill in for Pedroia, and Hall has provided some power.

But neither has range to compensate for first baseman Mike Lowell, who has played his new position well but does not cover as much ground on the right side as Youkilis

Lowrie missed half the season with mononucleosis. The Texas heat was so draining over the weekend that he had to come out of the lineup.

The Red Sox have dominated the Angels, winning all seven meetings with a 53-24 advantage in runs. Clay Buchholz (13-5) will pitch Tuesday against Jered Weaver (11-7), whose 182 strikesouts leads the majors.